Australian union officials deported from Fiji

A delegation of Australian and New Zealand trade unionists have been refused entry to Fiji and deported.

The group had wanted to meet with unions and employees to investigate alleged abuse of workers' rights in Fiji.

But it was anticipated the Australian Council of Trade Unions and New Zealand union delegation would be refused entry after the military government accused them of being biased.

On arrival in Nadi airport delegates' passports and those of accompanying media were confiscated and they were refused a request for consular assistance.

The ABC is travelling with the party.

The group arrived back in Australia on Tuesday night.

Fiji Trade Union Congress president Daniel Urai, who was meant to meet the delegation, says the deportation was illegal.

"They've [the delegation] committed no crime. The government said to the Australian and New Zealand unions 'come and see for yourself what is happening in Fiji'. So we see no legitimate reason to stop them," he said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kevin Rudd says it is concerning that consular access was denied to members of the delegation which included ACTU boss Ged Kearney.

"The Fiji interim government had missed an opportunity to demonstrate that it is not afraid of international scrutiny," he said in a statement.

"The Fiji interim government has in recent months targeted trade union leaders and introduced draconian laws restricting the rights of workers.

"As sadly anticipated, the Fiji interim government has not taken this opportunity to make a start on badly needed improvements to workers rights."